That being said, I'll tell you what I don't need right now. I don't need people to remind me how "privileged" I am and how much I have while others go without. I KNOW. Nothing helps me de-stress like hearing how good I have it while my work piles up and I endure late nights, early mornings, parking tickets, and room checks. I'm struggling and no amount of guilt-tripping will change that.
Guess what? Every other college senior I know is in the exact same boat. We're all stressed, tired, and irritable. We all have giant projects to accomplish in tiny windows of time and our degrees depend on it. Years of schooling and thousands upon thousands of dollars in debt hinges on one school year. On campuses across the country, seniors are breaking down and crying over theses, portfolios, interviews, and presentations. On top of all the work, the "real world" is always looming on the horizon. Are we going to be able to get jobs, places to live, or eventually someone to settle down with? No wonder we're stressed out, our whole world is about to change and we're scared and excited at the same time.
If you know a college senior (or any college student for that matter) think twice before you pass judgment on them. Remember when you were 22, living on ramen, and working an entry-level job for pennies? College seniors are almost there and the thought of having our own lives is scary. No one likes leaving the familiar, and being criticized for feeling overwhelmed isn't helpful. So if you encounter a college student who's about to crack under the pressure, here are 4 things you can do to help ease the stress. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it's a good place to start!
1. Say (or write) something encouraging.
Something as simple as "You can do it!" can lift spirits, but a thoughtful text, facebook post, phone call, or a hand-written card can do wonders to boost confidence. Think about the last time someone said something that changed your attitude for the better. It was awesome, right? Spread the good feelings and encourage a struggling student.
2. Send them a gift.
3. Hug them. (Let them know you're there.)
This doesn't apply to everyone, but you know how sometimes you just want a hug? Yeah, we're there. And we're also occasionally (aka always) feeling awkward so we don't know how to ask for one without being "weird". If the college student you know will appreciate it, give them a quick hug! If you think they might recoil, at least let them know you're there, especially if you live close and can talk in person. Sometimes face-to-face interaction can do wonders for someone who's stressed out. Bonus points if you're Hobbes.
4. Pray for them.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." The most important thing you can do for anyone is pray for them, whether you live 5 minutes or 5 hours away. Pray for the college students you know and let them know that you did! Is there anything more encouraging to a Christian than knowing your brother or sister in Christ is lifting you up in prayer? Prayer is powerful in all circumstances, stressful or not.
On behalf of college seniors everywhere, thank you for caring about us, thinking about us, and hurting with us. Once we get those hard-earned degrees, it'll worth all the stress. At least that's what I tell myself, over and over and over.
